Began the sport at the age of six in Novokuznetsk.
Hockey hero growing up was goalie Vadim Tarasov. Great vision and good at tracking the puck.
Athletic and quick goaltender. Mentally strong.
A bit inconsistent and lacked concentration during his early years.
Did not communicate much with his defensemen but improved on that later on.
Won the Vezina trophy as NHL’s top goaltender in 2013 and also made the first All-Star team.
Selected as the best goaltender at the 2014 World Championships.
PH